Meet our 16 Internal Medicine-Pediatric residents! A wonderful mix of locals and out-of-towners, calling The Windy City home. Scroll down to learn a little bit of our resident's past, present and future. Be sure to click on the their favorite spots to explore some of what Chicago has to offer!
Fourth-year residents (PGY-4)
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Elizabeth Hayes, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Howard University Undergrad: Howard University Grew up in: Charlotte, NC Professional interests: Undecided, but considering dual fellowships!
Why Med-Peds: Being able to treat people of all ages and being trained by/working with great people!
Fave Chicago spots: Enjoying the Riverwalk with my dog and using the Divvy bikes to explore the city! |
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Jennifer Marsidi, DO She/Her |
Medical School: University of New England Graduate, Nursing: Seattle University Graduate, Education: Tufts University Undergrad: Tufts University Grew up in: Everett, WA Professional interests: Adult Pulm/Critical Care, Adult or Pediatric Cardiology. Why Med-Peds: I always felt that learning both adult and pediatric medicine would make me a better doctor for whichever side I end up specializing in--or allow me to do a combined fellowship. Also, Med-Peds folks are my kind of wacky! Fave Chicago spots: I have enjoyed taking family bike rides on the North Branch Trail up to the Botanic Gardens and rides on the Des Plaines River Trail to Hartigan's Ice Cream Shoppe in Evanston! |
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Brinda Ryali, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Western Michigan University Undergrad: University of California, San Diego Grew up in: Fremont, CA Professional interests: I'm interested in global and Public Health, Medical Education, and Women's Health. I am in the health equity track and hope to pursue a career addressing health care disparities within the Primary Care setting. Why Med-Peds: My favorite thing about Med-Peds is that as a group, everyone is very advocacy oriented and they are some of the fiercest patient advocates I've met throughout the hospital! Fave Chicago spots: Reading a book along Riverwalk, boating on the river, playing basketball at skinner park, and exploring the never-ending food scene (some favorites include Aba and Lula Cafe). |
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Benjamin Traisman, DO He/Him |
Medical School: Touro College, New York
Undergrad: Emory University, Atlanta Grew up in: Chicago and Evanston, IL Professional interests: Following residency I plan to pursue a fellowship in Cardiology or Critical Care. RUSH allows for so many opportunities to experience both these realms of practice in residency both as a clinician and researcher.
Why Med-Peds: Med-Peds is incredibly fun and fulfilling. I have managed a vast array of pathophysiology already just in the first months of my intern year. It is clinically rewarding seeing a 53 year old for chest pain and a 5 year old for a school physical all within the same afternoon on the outpatient side and managing an adult with multiple comorbidities from childhood on the inpatient side. There’s truly never a dull moment.
Fave Chicago spots: Any one of the excellent beaches, our beaches are underrated! The architecture tour on the river, Chicago has some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. If it happens to be winter, going to a Bulls/Blackhawks game at the UC is a ton of fun. It truly is the “Madhouse on Madison.” |
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Third-year residents (PGY-3)
| Name | Background | |
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Jayla Bostic, DO, MS She/Her |
Medical School: Touro College, New York Undergrad: University of Florida Grew up in: Wellington, FL Professional interests: My career interests include Primary Care, Urban Medicine, and Medical Education.
Why Med-Peds: I chose Med-Peds because I wanted the opportunity to work with patients from birth and onwards throughout their adulthood. I also liked that the targeted training of this specialty will enable me to not only work with healthy patients, but also provide me with the skills necessary to manage the long-term care of complex congenital and childhood diseases that can persist into adulthood for many. Additionally, I love that Med-Peds offers a multitude of opportunities post-residency, including going into Primary Care, pursuing fellowship, or serving as a Hospitalist.
Fave Chicago spots: Football games at Soldier Field and shopping on Michigan Avenue. |
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Colin Flannelly, MD, MSc. He/Him |
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Undergrad: The College of New Jersey Grew up in: Phillipsburg, NJ Professional interests: Health Policy, Economics, Equity, MedEd, EBM Why Med-Peds: Endless reasons! It's the most pluripotent field with the ability to mix and match your future career and sidestep burnout. Plus, as always, THE PEOPLE! Fave Chicago spots: New to the area, but so far love Adams & Sons & Daughters for plants, Moneygun for cocktails, Humboldt park for runs, and Lottie's for trivia nights. |
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Rong Hu, MD She/Her |
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis Grew up in: Chicago and Wilmette, IL Professional interests: I’m currently debating between Primary Care, Rheumatology, and Cardiology!
Why Med-Peds: I love interacting with patients of all ages and being able to learn about diseases throughout the entire lifespan. Plus, everyone I’ve met within Med-Peds has been incredibly kind, bright, and supportive.
Fave Chicago spots: Anywhere along Lake Michigan. I also love exploring Chicago suburbs for small town vibes and forest preserves. My favorite restaurants include La Chaparrita in Pilsen, Conte di Savoia in Little Italy, and Happy Lamb in Chinatown! |
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Crystal Juarez, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Michigan State University
Undergrad: Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College Grew up in: Grand Rapids, MI Professional interests: My interests include combined Hospitalist or working in a Med-Peds outpatient clinic. It would be awesome if I can do both!
Why Med-Peds: I chose Med-Peds because I love that I can work with populations of all ages whether it’s a newborn to the elderly. I also love the variety and diversity of medical conditions that I get to work with from outpatient visits in clinic to working in the ICU. I plan on doing Global Health in the future so I need to gain the skills to work populations of all ages and under whatever circumstances and I feel like Med-Peds is the perfect specialty to prepare me for that.
Fave Chicago spots: I haven’t explored too much yet but so far I love all the different outdoor seating areas with all the beautiful plants and flowers. There are plenty of spots like that down here. Also I love walking by the lakeshore and navy pier. There are so many beautiful spots here and I can’t wait to explore them! |
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Second-year residents (PGY-2)
| Name | Background | |
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Sara Barajas, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Rush Medical College Undergrad: UC Berkeley Grew up in: Southern California Professional interests: Primary Care Why Med-Peds: I love the continuity of care that we can offer families regardless of age. Med-Peds also does really well to prepare you for complex patients of any age. Fave Chicago spots: Lincoln Park Colectivo Coffee on Saturdays (great for dog watching) and any Farmers Market! |
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Lena Eskin, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Rush Medical College Undergrad: Cornell University Grew up in: Evanston, IL Professional interest: Combined med-peds primary care! Why Med-Peds: I want to have equally strong training in internal medicine and pediatrics so that I can serve both populations and help patients navigate the often-challenging transition in between, all while getting to work with some of the most compassionate, down-to-earth people in medicine. Fave Chicago spots: Anything having to do with the lakefront (running, picnicking, swimming), Lost Larson Bakery and The Garfield Park Conservatory! |
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Orrianne Morrison, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Rush Medical College Undergrad: Spelman College Grew up in: Atlanta, Georgia Professional Interest: Transitions of Care, Sickle Cell Disease, Medical Education, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Why Med - Peds: I am passionate about caring for individuals across Fav Chicago Spots: Kizuki Ramen, District Brew Yard, Big Star Taco, Small Cheval, Garfield Park Conservatory, Harrrison Park, Off Color Brewery, Goose Island Brewhouse. |
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Hannah Silverman, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Rush Medical College Undergrad: University of Michigan Grew up in:River Forest, IL Professional interest: Outpatient care for adults and children, complex care needs and transitions in care. Why Med-Peds: I think it is the biggest honor as a physician to be able to care for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Being trained in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, I can care for any human with any level of healthcare needs who walks though my clinic doors. Fave Chicago spots: Hugo’s Frog Bar, Third Rail Tavern, Red Hot Ranch, and any Saturday in any bar watching the Michigan Wolverines win. |
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First-year residents (PGY-1)
| Name | Background | |
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Jules Alutto, MD She/Her |
Medical School: Rush Medical College Undergrad: University of Notre Dame Grew up in: England, IL, CT, VT Professional interests: Primary Care, Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Medical Education Why Med-Peds: I wanted to go into a field of medicine that would allow me to build longitudinal relationships with my patients, and I think Med-Peds gives me the best opportunity to do that! I also love the broad scope of training/practice. Fave Chicago spots: I love running on the lakefront trail and playing pickleball in Seward Park. I also enjoy exploring West Loop- my favorite spots include Sawada for coffee/tea, Açaí bowls at Pure Green, and dinner at Aba! |
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Keaton Read, MD He/Him |
Medical School: University of Nebraska Undergrad: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Grew up in: Stoughton, WI Professional interest: Hospital medicine, infectious disease, LGBTQ+ health, local and global underserved populations - still exploring how it’s all going to fit together. Why Med-Peds: Training to see patients across the lifespan and of all acuity levels is exciting, rewarding and extremely valuable! Med-Peds lets me pursue all of my interests and gives the flexibility to blend them together in the future. Most Excited About Chicago: Getting to know all the different neighborhoods, easy trips around the city on the L/busses, concerts and theater, museums and architecture, exploring parks, trails and the beach! |
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Claudia Alexis Sanchez, MD She/Her |
Medical School: University of Texas, Galveston Undergrad: University of Texas, Austin Grew up in: Austin, Pearland & San Antonio, TX Professional Interest: After residency, I hope to work as a generalist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ultimately helping underserved communities as much as possible. I also aim to continue my interests in global health, helping those in need abroad and learning to practice medicine in new environments. Why Med - Peds: I genuinely loved caring for both adults and children during medical school and enjoyed both inpatient and outpatient settings. I was also grateful to see the benefits of long-term and preventive care for patients and would love to continue this type of practice. Most Excited About Chicago: I am super excited about exploring the food scene in Chicago and watching some awesome music shows in the city! |
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Derek Zhang, MD He/Him |
Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles Undergrad: University of California, Los Angeles Grew up in: Clovis & Los Angeles, CA Professional interest: Undecided between PCP or med-peds hospitalist; possible fellowship interests include either addiction med or heme/onc. Why Med-Peds: I love seeing patients across the whole age spectrum and the challenge of utilizing such a broad range of knowledge. It keeps things interesting！I am also planning to work with the underserved, where having a broad set of knowledge and skills will also allow me to serve in many situations. Finally, I also feel right at home among med-peds folks! Most Excited About Chicago: I am looking forward to taking public transit instead of sitting through LA traffic, experiencing my first true winter, and exploring the different neighborhoods in Chicago. |
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